The Q36.5 Termica winter jacket is a lightweight (400g) low volume, pre-shape cold weather jacket intended for a high-intensity training in full winter conditions.
The design is an extremely advanced vision of the modern windproof winter ‘shell’. Core body heat zones and areas of the garment most exposed to the wind (chest, upper back, upper arms and front of forearms) are built from Q36.5's Unique Fabric ThermalShell. This is a laminated polyamide-polyester with a micro fleece backing. The key to the fabric is the middle layer. A Japanese-made hydrophilic 18 micron non-porous PU membrane. Q36.5 favours the use of hydrophilic (water-loving) over hydrophobic membranes (such as Goretex™), as they best allow for the body to transpire and remain dry whilst maintaining an optimal body temperature during intense athletic activity. The hydrophilic membrane offers the most suitable combination between thermal insulation, vapour permeability and waterproofness for high intensity cycling in cold and extreme cold weather. The polymer molecules of the membrane have a predetermined activation point at which they ‘open’ and increase permeability (allowing the body to transpire more efficiently at high temperatures) and ‘close’ at lower temperatures allowing for an increase in the insulation properties when the body temperature is lower.
The sides and back are constructed from a high-density thermal fleece fabric which nevertheless has excellent moisture management helping to transport moisture from the body at a controlled rate to ensure optimal operating body temperature and to avoid over-cooling. The same fabric is used in the proprietary-design second internal ‘barber’s collar'. This collar may not seem much of a selling feature but it is part of the secret to the incredible performance of the Termica Jacket. If you have ever ridden in deepest winter you will know that the opening of a jacket at the back of the neck when in a tucked position, can cause spears of icy air to penetrate your very being, rapidly cooling your body - particularly if you are working hard and sweating. The second collar on the internal side of the first, is a soft and elastic fleece cut to easily rest directly against the neck (much like the elasticated tape used underneath a cape by barbers) and serves to hermetically seal the body from cold air which can often enter from the rear part of the neck during activity, offering superior protection to that provided by the traditional single collar found on other cycling jackets. It really is the little things that make all the difference!
As with much of the Q36.5 range, the Termica jacket is developed using RSR mapping and is ergogenically cut. Regional Sweat Rate (RSR) body mapping, is a process whereby the rate of perspiration in different areas of the body is studied to help develop Q36.5’s unique fabrics and patterns. As such, the Termica jacket is breathable to varying degrees throughout its construction. This not only leads to optimised wicking for cooling purposes but also results in varying densities of fabric that results in lighter weight clothing. Like much of the performance cycling clothing market, Q36.5 clothing is designed and cut to be worn in the cycling position - indeed, you will notice the pre-shaped fit when trying the clothing on and it is important to adopt a cycling stance in order to appreciate the garments fully. Q36.5 have taken this concept a little further than most however and have developed a range of Ergogenic patterns. Such ergogenic patterned clothing is designed so that the panels and fabrics are tuned to support the muscle groups, thusly the Termica has a snug but unrestrictive fit which supports a balanced position to reduce fatigue: a true technical advantage. The Termica is also cut with the same unique sleeve pattern (minimal seams, none frontal facing) as the short and long sleeved jersey to optimise aerodynamics.
Continuity abounds through the Q36.5 range and the Termica shares the same invisible pocket system as used in the jerseys. Rather than crudely sewing an extra layer of fabric over the back of the jersey to create 3 pockets as is traditional, Q36.5 have integrated the pockets into the design of the jacket leaving 3 subtle openings they dub ‘Invisible Pockets’. The addition of a 4th zippered pocket completes the package and – believe it or not - this design, aside from being far more aesthetically pleasing, offers a small but quantifiable aerodynamic advantage. Like the Hybrid Que, the Termica has an additional sleeve pocket on the left arm for easy access to nutrition / 'phone / spares etc.
The fit of Termica is close and conformable without ever being restrictive. You may initially be deterred when trying it on but we beg you to persist! Once you have worn it on the bike you will understand the fit even more. The proprietary fabrics used in Q36.5 clothing function optimally when the fit is snug against the body and it is an inherent design element of the brand. This closeness and pre-shaped fit lends the ergogenic qualities that enable the fabrics to better support and stabilise the body, but this closeness is never at the expense of comfort and there is a notable freedom of movement when adopting the riding position.
If, like me find that less-is-more and you grimmace at the prospect of spending 20 minutes or more prising yourself into the various layers that often seem necessary in order to brave the worst conditions, then the Termica - nay, every aspect of Q36.5 - is for you.
Awful out? Base layer + Termica. Job done. Put something on your legs though, please!
As a huge fan of Q36.5, there isn't much - if anything in the range I haven't either worn or own!
As with all cycling apparel, in order to do its job effectively : keep you warm or cool, dry, comfortable and aero, it has to fit correctly. All too often we see riders in clothing that is far too big, flapping around or with gaping sleeves.
We get it, some people don't want to 'look silly' in tight fitting lycra - the stigma for many remains. To these folk I say consider this: most of those who'll be paying you any mind while you ride around will be other cyclists; they will almost certainly think you look silly if you're riding around in loose, ill-fitting kit! Besides, you want to get the best from your investment so who cares what people who aren't part of the cycling fraternity think - if it fits properly, it works the way it's designed to.
Q36.5 is highly technical kit; regionally sweat-mapped for optimum moisture management; ergogenic pattern cuts for best possible form-fitting and aerodynamics; not to mention the thermal conductivity that helps stabilise your body temperature, freeing up energy for riding. Fit is key and often at odds with your civvies.
We recommend purchasing and wearing your Q36.5 garment or shoes ‘true to size’ - if you are usually a Medium, purchase a Medium; 43.5 shoe then 43.5. However, when trying on a Q36.5 garment for the first time please keep in mind that cut and fit is designed for on the bike comfort and performance, indeed it is a pre-shaped cut meaning and the user may feel a minor degree of strain (eg. in the shoulder and chest area of the jersey / jacket or the bib short braces) when standing upright - this is totally normal and preferred, since you don't ride standing upright!
Try adopting a tucked, cycling position when trying kit on - all cycling clothing of any note is pre-shaped or cut in this position in order to deliver the technical benefits of the piece. When on the bicycle, any feeling of restriction should literally disappear and be replaced by a snug fit yet with excellent ease of movement, comfort and stability. With shoes, you want a small gap between your toes and the end of the shoe. As you ride, your feet swell and your arches collapse slightly causing your feet to 'creep'. Most of this movement is lateral but there is some longitudinal movement also. If your toes are at the end of the shoe to begin with - you will suffer with numbness and pain.
If you are ever unsure of sizing - maybe you have no frame of reference or you've tried 2 sizes and both seem to fit - the recommendation is to size down! Better to have your cycling kit tight than loose. Materials will give out slightly too and in the case of bibshorts, you want the pad firmly against you so you are stable in the saddle and so there is no rubbing of material or shifting of the pad - this only leads to bad places; saddle sores and ultimately, quicker wear in your kit.
If you are between sizes or already borderline on a size (close to it being too small), you may wish to size up one. Similarly, if you are not quite 'racing snake' and the size chart suggests you are a particular size - if you are close to the upper most extreme of that measure - you may wish to size up (it's how it works for me!).
For the latest seasons (2024 ->) there have been some changes to short leg length. In much the same way that the Pinstripe Pro (now Dottore Pro) jersey had an additional 2cm added for better overall fit, the Dottore and Unique bib shorts now have legs that are 2.5cm longer to better support the full length of the muscle. I would expect to see this creep into all shorts moving forward. Remember - there are rolling changes made where necessary during the 4 year development cycle of Q36.5 clothing.
There are also some changes to the structure of the range - at least in name. Collections are split by tech and fit: Democtratic Fit / GREGARIUS (Essentially KNITTED Fabrics with a more forgiving fit), Ergogenic Fit / DOTTORE (WOVEN Fabrics that fit close and are semi-compressive) and Skin Fit / UNIQUE (A small grouping, of UNIQUE Pro products that are second-skin). We separate them out in the menus on the site if it helps!
A note on socks : Q36.5 socks are supremely comfortable, easily the best I have ever owned. They last too and that feeling continues wash after wash where others become crisp and scratchy. If you are between sizes or unsure then I suggest you size down. There is plenty of stretch in Q36.5. With some models - notably the Be Love 0 and Be Love Seta - it is recommended that you cold-wash them before first use; they will shrink ever so slightly but not enough to warrant buying a size up.
Base layers are critical to the performance of anything you layer over the top. They should absolutely be a second skin or they don't do their job. If it fits like your favourite Sunday afternoon baggy T-shirt, bin it! Always buy the size that fits closest without any pinching under the arms or restriction at the cuff. Again, size down if you are unsure or between prescribed sizes. You may find that for the UK climate you can survive the winter in a short sleeve Q36.5 Base (Base Layer 2) - though this will depend on how you feel the cold. During summer, a base layer is still beneficial, helping to move moisture off the skin - where the temperature exceeds 24oC, you may find that a Clima or Dottore PRO jersey are fine next to the skin but both (and all other jerseys) will perform better when the Zero Mesh base layer is in play.
Get a Vest / Gilet! If you don't own one, this is the single piece of equipment that offers the broadest range of benefits. A good gilet offers wind protection on chilly mornings, late evenings, descents after hot and sweaty climbs and core protection in sudden downpours - it is virtually indispensible year round. Not sure where the weather will go an any given ride? Stuff it in a jersey pocket and your core will always be protected, extending the operating temperature of the rest of your outfit; be that in summer or winter.
Q36.5 make 5 key vests - one uniquely for potentially wet rides but that also serves to keep the wind off (R.Vest Protection); the all-round Vest L1 Essential that offers both thermal stability, insulation and weather protection; the new Air Vest, the ultimate in low bulk emergency wear that will keep the wind and showers from ruining your ride and that packs down incredibly small - it weighs just 69g; the new Adventure Insulation Vest developed for lower intensity and more adventurous forays off the beaten track in a design that weighs in at just 115g & packs away easily - and lastly the Woolf Bombardino - a versatile gilet that can serve as a layering piece or an external weather defense during rides in changeable conditions - it's small too, so ideal for summer trips to the mountains where temperature can vary sigificantly with elevation. Remember - the fit needs to be close, particularly when layering.
Be smart with your Q36.5 clothing. Wash it without softener at cold temps - preferably as soon as you get in from your ride. And use their Tech Wash - it will make your kit last longer and perform the way it is supposed to.